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Doctor warns about the risks of TikTok challenge

Be in the Know graphic

 

The “Superman Challenge” is one of the latest trends to go viral on TikTok. The challenge involves two or more people forming two rows, linking arms and throwing another person either straight up and catching them, or backwards so they may land on their feet, making the tossed person appear to be flying for a moment. This new trend is causing injuries to young people who are trying the challenge.

Dr. Jesse Loar, an emergency department physician with AdventHealth Castle Rock, has treated patients who were injured when the stunt did not go as planned.

“The first time I heard about it (The Superman Challenge) was when a young woman came in by ambulance. She hit her head and lost consciousness,” recalled Loar. “Fortunately, it ended up being a mild concussion. But it could have been a worse injury.”

Loar said in talking with his colleagues in the emergency department, wrist sprains and fractures are relatively common injuries because when people fall, they instinctively put their hands down to break the fall. They have also seen sprained ankles and bruised ribs.

In one instance, a Highlands Ranch 12-year-old suffered a broken proximal humerus (upper arm). She was unable to land safely on her feet after being thrown in the air.

“I obviously did not know they were doing the challenge,” said the girl’s mother. “We were at our friend’s house. The kids were in a different room. Her cry was like a cry I have never heard before. “

TikTok is currently posting warnings about the Superman Challenge. Parents should be aware and talk to their children about the risks of participating in such challenges.

“For teenagers to watch the video a couple of times and then think that they can do it, is unsafe,” said Loar. “It is fun to watch somebody do something you don’t know how to do on your own. But doing this is not something that should be done at home.”

 

By Mindy Stone

CPC

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